The Ondo State government says kidnappers of some travellers in the state have demanded the sum of N90m ransom from families of the victims.
Ondo Govt Gives Update On Kidnapped Travellers
The travellers were kidnapped at Omi-Alafa village, along Owo-Ifon road, in Ose Local Government Area of the state last Saturday while returning from a ceremony in Edo State.
Information and Orientation Commissioner in the state, Mrs Bamidele Ademola- Olateju disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing on the kidnap in Akure.
According to Ademola- Olateju, 18 out of the passengers in the bus were abducted, while nine have regained their freedom.
“They went for a burial at Ewatota, in Esan local government area of Edo state, one of the buses, a 32 seater coastal bus hired from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo was attacked by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was ransacked, the people were searched and dispossessed of their valuables.
“They selected 18 out of the passengers and matched them into the bush. Some of those that were left behind immediately put a call to Amotekun corps which they swung into action.
“Among those who were taken into the bush, Amotekun found seven of them. Out of the remaining eleven, two of them escaped and only nine people are still in captivity.
“Right now as I speak, Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS, and the Nigerian Army to ensure their release,” the commissioner disclosed.
She added, “Today, the kidnappers have made contact with families of victims and they are demanding ransom of between N3 – N10 million. Investigation of this abduction continues but it’s important to note and commend the gallant men of Amotekun in getting to the scene and rescuing victims.”
According to her, the kidnappers found it easy because the scene borders Edo state, so they strike and run back to Edo because they know Ondo is no longer a haven for criminals.
Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily had reported that gunmen kidnapped a pastor and his son along Ifon-Okeluse Road in Ose Local Government Area of the state and demanded a ransom of N10m.
The duo, it was gathered, were kidnapped while travelling along the road when the hoodlums accosted and dragged them into the bush to an unknown destination.
